After getting her first motorcycle, Cait found it really hard to find womens riding gear available for her to try on. She knew that there were some great companies out there but could not find it in stores anywhere. This inspired her to create the California Moto Market! What started as a local womens motorcycle gear shopping event has been growing into a multi destination roadshow that has making its way across the USA. She has pop-ups planned in Denver, Chicago and Seattle and much much more in 2019. Read on to learn more!

Alyssa Bridges @alyssab123

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, spending every winter on snowmobiles (which is practically required there) and vaguely remember my mother telling me never to get on the back of a motorcycle! I have been a hairdresser for nearly 10 years now, and will probably always keep that up. I almost don’t remember what it was like before motorcycles came into my life, and I think I’m really ok with that!

My first bike was a 1980 Honda Hobbit Moped. I might have bought it just for the name.. But the second I took off on that thing, the whole world shifted. About a year later, I sold it for gas money to get to California and once I was out here, I picked up a mint 1976 Kawasaki KH100. I found a helmet off Craigslist, a leather jacket at the thrift store, and set off learning how to shift in my neighborhood. I learned how to clean and tune a carb, rewire turn signals, and clean rust out of a tank. I even hauled that thing out to Babes Ride Out 4 ! It didn’t like being away from sea-level and mostly didn’t run.. But that definitely lit a fire in me. A month later I borrowed my friend Jayme’s Yamaha SR400 and after a quick 2 months and 2k miles.. I sold my car and bought my first Moto Guzzi V7. Might as well go all-in, right?

Amanda Bashir @musiqaddict26

Somewhere along the way I started looking for riding gear, figuring that with the large amount of daily-riders in SoCal, it should be relatively easy to find some decent options. Oh boy, was I wrong. Here I was in motorcycle Mecca, and my only options are overly branded Harley jackets or sportbike-style track leathers, or even worse: riding gear designed by men who have only been described what a woman looks like, but has never seen one in person.

Now, there were definitely companies making awesome women’s riding gear back then.. but was it available in local retailers? Hell no. Were they interested in stocking it for us? Also hell no.

This was the inspiration behind starting California Moto Market.. Bring together all the companies making women’s motorcycle gear in one place, so women can try things on in person and leave with the gear they love. [It’s not a new concept.. Stores have literally existed for centuries.] The side effects we’ve seen in the 3 years we’ve been running this market have been numerous.. riding groups started, brands created and launched, connections and collaborations everywhere.. we didn’t start the fire- but we sure as hell fanned the flames.

Our goal has been the same from the beginning: Get the gear to the ladies. One thing has shifted though, and that was how far we are willing to travel to make our point. Last year was the first time that the Moto Market has ventured outside of California, and it was interesting to see the reactions. Here we are bringing Stellar Moto Brand and Tobacco Motorwear to states that aren’t even used to wearing helmets… It’s been incredible seeing these women finally find something that fits them well, looks great, and offers all the protection they need while riding.

And this year.. Well we’ve set our sights even further! We’ve checked San Rafael, Austin and Orange County off our list, with Denver, Chicago, Seattle and Las Vegas ahead of us! We’re so excited to work with local makers and share our favorite SoCal brands. The best way to find out where we’re going and who’s coming with is to follow us on Instagram: @californiamotomarket or check out our website www.californiamotomarket.com.

Welcome to the Central Coast! We are so excited for a new adventure. Let us tell you a little about this magical place and some of the unique things to experience in the area. The actual town that our event will be held in is called Santa Margarita, California. It is nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo County which is part of the greater area known as the Central Coast.

Half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this area of California still has an un-touched charm about it and countless awesome roads to ride. The area is well known for its cattle ranches, wineries and breweries but that does not even begin to tell the story of this amzing place.

The event space is located right off of the 101 freeway making it super easy to find. When you arrive on site you will feel like you have set foot on an 18th century ranch. That’s because you have! Our new home is a 14,000 acre working cattle ranch complete with a mission era barn regarded as the first stone-and-mortar structure built in California. The Ranch is located right on the historic El Camino Real; a 600 mile mission trail connecting the states 21 missions.

What makes this place so special? Well… in 30 minutes you can be on the beach, at the 805 brewery or down a perfectly windy road and arriving at a historic saloon/café. In 40 minutes you can be at a lavish castle or in the pismo beach sand dunes. In 1 hour you can be on your way to Big Sur and riding the world famous stretch of HWY 1. The area is so rich in so many ways! We will have some amazing routes curated for you!

Looking for some fun routes to get there from the South? Check out these options:

All of these will be featured in the months leading up to the event along with our curated day routes.

Why did we move the event from Joshua Tree? We will forever love Joshua Tree and that beautiful place is not going anywhere. We were ready for a new adventure and could not resist the beautiful central coast!

What is different about the event? Same vibes just in a new location to start! We have plenty of room for camping with all the same amenities + more. We are thrilled to bring in all the fun activities but in a gorgeous new setting with all new roads to ride. To learn more, cruise the ticket page.

Hotels Nearby if You Choose to Extend Your Trip or if Camping Isn’t Your Thing

Sacha Braddock just had her 1 year moto anniversary! She didn’t grow up around bikes or have any friends that could introduce her to bikes but she found her way to a life on two wheels anyway. Through her experiences on her Harley-Davidson 883XL Sportster and her first ride to BRO6 she has found a great community of motorcyclists and a passion that will last a lifetime. Read on to get to know more about her.

Sacha Braddock @Sacha_braddock

How long have you been riding motorcycles and how did you get started?

Last week, March 14th, was my first bike anniversary. For as long as I can remember I've wanted a motorcycle, I was not raised around motorcycles nor did I have anyone in my family or friend circle to introduce me to them. When I was living in Houston I decided a scooter would be my training wheels to getting a motorcycle (silly me I should have just gotten a motorcycle), so I got my license for that 150cc scooter. Finally a year ago my friend was looking to sell his bike and it happened to be perfect timing financially and I was able to buy it cash.

Why do you ride motorcycles / What do you get out of riding motorcycles?

Honestly growing up I wanted to ride because anytime I would see a woman on a bike I could see myself on that bike. Women who rode were bad ass and strong. Now that I finally have a motorcycle I see that these women are so much more than just bad ass and strong, and being a part of such a wonderful community of women riders, getting on my bike to sum it up is simply freeing. My job requires me to spend tons of time in my car and on airplanes that when the weekend comes my goal is to not get in a car and only ride my moto!

Run us through the list of bikes you have had in your past / currently own:

My 2008 Sportster 883XL is my first and only bike, for now.

What first attracted you to Harley-Davidson?

I will have to answer this question by saying what first attracted me to my particular Harley Davidson was how shiny and clean the chrome was. I always knew that I wanted a bike and when my friend rode what is now my motorcycle to the gym, I sat on it and fell in love. I began to do more research on the Sportster in particular and absolutely feel in love. Ergonomically it seems like the perfect fit for someone my height, it was just a fly looking bike that I knew I needed to have.

How did you know it was the bike for you?

I remember asking my friend if I could cruise around the neighborhood one day after we worked out. Mind you I hadn't actually ridden a motorcycle since my safety course so the ride itself I am sure was funny to watch. For me that first ride, I just knew, this was my bike.

Tell us what it is like to ride your particular bike:

To sum it up I would have to say powerful. Now I know my bike is an 883, but I went from an 150cc scooter to my sportser and to me it is powerful. Rolling the throttle makes you physically go faster but feeling that speed from the wind to my pipes, those 10 year old stock pipes still rip.

What made you choose your model over the other H-D models?

I wish I had a compelling story, but in all reality all of the stars aligned and at the end was my Sportster. My friend was finally ready to sell his bike to me, I had just closed on my condo and I was able to buy this bike cash. Do not get me wrong there were plenty of bikes out there that I could have purchased but I wanted this Sportster and when everything just came together I knew this was my bike.

Any modifications? Tell us about them if so:

My bike only has a few modifications, I have Roland Sands adjustable levers because I have smaller hands. Keystone handlebars with Vans grips and I put an LED bulb in my headlight. I love the classic look of my Sportster so my next modification will be to upgrade my pipes and swap out all of my lights to LED. I need to be seen and heard!

What has been you favorite adventure you have taken on your bike?

Babes Ride Out 6 through Joshua Tree through the park is hands down to date my favorite adventure. It was a dream come true that I didn't even know I had. Last year was my first Babes Ride out and I really didn't have much freeway experience so a few of my friends that I ride with every weekend, towed her out there for me. I am beyond grateful for those women at my camp at babes! Kim who was a Babes veteran guided us through Joshua Tree park, we cruised both sides of Pioneer town and all through 29 Palms. It was the best learning experience because I was surrounded by so many women who were helping me along the way.

Do you have any fun road trips planned?

This year I am riding to Babes Ride Out 7! Thankfully my local community of women that I ride with have really been awesome and taking me out on longer freeway rides getting me ready for Babes and all the future moto adventures to come!

Tell us about your experience at Babes Ride Out?

A fucking dream come true! Babes was just about 6 months after I bought my bike and I still didn't have the time or confidence to ride that distance on the freeway so the women I ride with in long beach rented a trailer and towed my bike out for me. Being that I didn't grow up camping, naturally I had my concerns, where was I going to shower, would there be hot water and were there bugs. Lucky for me my friend was a camping and Babes professional not only did they tow my bike but I was one of the last few to check in Thursday night any my tent was all set up! Friday morning is when it really hit me, walking to "town" passing all the bikes and tents, I think I said good morning to every single babe I passed with the biggest smile on my face. I remember thinking to myself "this must be what those folks who love Disneyland feel like". Babes was my Disneyland. I met the most amazing women who really guided me on my longest rides to date. Riding through Joshua Tree 15 deep was magical to say the least. I am not a mushy woman but I probably hugged and thanked women I just met because I was simply happy to be surrounded by them.

Any advice for ladies who want to get started on two wheels?

Always ride your own ride. There is a whole community of women out there that you can ride with, when you are ready and even when you are not they are there. If you have no experience or decades of experience find that community, that group of riders that you have seen mashing down the freeway, they look badass and they where you were once. Have fun, I often think way too much about everything but with my bike I gear up and get out, I can ride 5 miles or 50 it doesn't matter as long as you ride. Most importantly always gear up, summer time comes, people are cruising down PCH with tank tops and Vans. It will be tempting to not wear all your gear all the time trust me. Fight that urge, there are so many companies out there with protective gear that is safe and looks great.

Want to learn how to ride? Harley-Davidson has riding schools across the US! Click HERE to see where you can sign up and take a step to changing your life <3

My name is Anya and I am one of the co-founders of Babes Ride Out. Last year I was in a very serious motorcycle accident from which I am still recovering. Never have I experienced so much love and support from my family, friends, and community as a whole. Through this experience, we at Babes Ride Out want to do our part to help spread a very important message.

Look Twice for Motorcycles!

We have partnered with one of our favorite organizations Moto F.A.M. to create the “Keep on Rippin’” tee and the “Look Twice” pin. By wearing these items you have taken an oath to always look twice for motorcycles each and every time you ride or drive. The more we talk about this responsibility the more lives we can save. By purchasing these items you are already helping as 100% of the proceeds will be donated to helping riders facing life changing injuries after a serious motorcycle accident through Moto F.A.M. Thank you for supporting all that share the road. Artwork by Jerimy Lumia

To purchase for yourself, family member, co worker, or friend, click HERE.

Britt Germann has not missed a Babes Ride Out event yet! She is one of the original 50 women who rode out with us 5 years ago to Babes in Borrego! She’s been riding since she was a teenager and in her words “ female rider were few and far between back then”. The BRO community has carved out a special place in her heart over the years “I get shy around people sometimes, though shared experiences, particularly the really special shared experiences - can be like a powerful hug pulling people close. Babes Ride Out is like that.” Read on to learn more about Britt! See you next week at BRO6!

On October 5th 2013, 50 women rode out to an undisclosed location for a night of camping and camaraderie. What would follow could not have been predicted by anyone. The positivity, passion and enthusiasm for those 50 women has fueled the growth and exposure of a community that has meant so much to so many. We are highlighting each of those 50 women and sharing their stories over the past 5 years.

Britt Germann

· FULL NAME - Britt Germann

· INSTAGRAM HANDLE - @brittgermann

· LOCATION - Los Angeles, CA

· OCCUPATION - Art Dealer

How did you find out about Babes in Borrego and what made you want to be a part of it? Well, @blondezillagirl said I’d be missing out if I didn’t come. I was pretty new to LA - from Canada - I was excited to explore Socal + meet other women who ride. Plus, I love camping.

When you arrived at the meet up, what were your first thoughts? Happy - tons of women riders, and everybody was excited. The buzz was real, big smiles all around.

Did you know anyone there? Is going on an adventure solo like this something you do or was this a first time out of your element kind of thing? I knew three people prior @blondezillagirl, @gringo_luva + @littlelindseymarie. Almost everybody, everywhere, in California were new to me at that time, and many of the 50 came from outside of LA - the experience was a new one in many ways! I have been riding motorcycles since I was a teenager in different parts of Canada, including the Pacific Coastal Mountain Range, where the season is short, wet and cold - women motorcyclists were few and far between.

To go to something like this and the destination be unknown is kind of crazy. What did you think of riding with all those ladies and of the destination? It was exciting, I got the feeling pretty much right away that the group + it's leads, knew what they were doing on the road so the camping part should be a no-brainer. It can be dangerous to ride with people you don't know. At times, other riders do not know what they are doing though this group was on their game, and it is a serious game. As @littlelindseymarie has said...'it isn't Bingo..it's Motorcycle Riding...!'

What was that one night like for you? Tell us about your experience. Iremember getting to the camp out, and as twilight grew, some of the women jumped back on their bikes and were ripping, and I mean fast, back and forth across the dry lake bed - leather bikini tops, hair flying. It made me nervous, and I tried to stop watching. Even so, it was great, I can still smell the freedom in the air. I hope to never forget that.

Tell us about the ladies you met and have your friendships have evolved over the past 5 years. Do you keep in touch? I have made a few good friends because of that night, for sure. I remember Sonora Jack - https://dirtyfree.blogspot.com/ - showing up in the wee hours that night - saw a single tiny headlight drive by and double back, then pick it's way on the dirt road toward the bonfire. I could not believe my eyes....who is that? She must be thirsty ! - we grabbed cold ones and ran toward her, she'd just pulled in from AZ. I think she'd had a flat along the way, unreal that she found us! I get shy around people sometimes, though shared experiences, particularly the really special shared experiences - can be like a powerful hug pulling people close. Babes Ride Out is like that.

How have you changed over the past 5 years? (jobs, relationship, location, family, feel free to tell us as little or much as you want here) Lots of changes, loving LA - thank you, Angelenos. Working on a gallery project, it looks like we are opening in LA, next year.

Have you gone on any more camping / riding trips since that 2013 ride? If so, where and with who? Haven't missed a Babes Ride Out, and hope not to. I like to ride day trips in Malibu + Hwy 2, in Angeles Crest National Forest. Can recall this minute an epic trip to Palomar one wet summer day + Big Wheel/Little Wheel camp outs w The Cretins! Love those guys.

What is it like coming back to Babes Ride Out as it has grown? It's been really interesting to see massive growth, in both Babes Ride Out + the Women's Moto Movement at the same time - Babes Ride Out has helped fuel growth in the Women’s Moto Movement. I sometimes see a woman on the sidewalk or in a car, looking wistfully as my bike rolls by, because motorcycle riding not only looks cool, it is a really exhilarating sport, it is just great. Sometimes, I think to myself that I don't know which I like more, the motorcycles or the motorcycle riders, and I'm just glad I don't have to choose.

I must also say, I try never to forget that Motorcycle riding is sometimes without warning, a very scary and deadly sport. I try to remember that when I get on a motorcycle I may never get off that motorcycle. Sometimes, I wonder if riding motorcycles comfortably requires a touch of stupidity, or something close, especially when I'm in a car watching riders hurdle down the highway. Which I love to do. I ask my friends and family to know that if I die, or get close, doing this, know that I loved it and knew the risks.

What are your thoughts on the Moto community and industry as a whole? I try to encourage women to come to Babes Ride Out even if they are only thinking or wishing that they rode. Anya and Ashmore have created a really wonderful and welcoming community, in founding Babes Ride Out. It takes a long time to learn how to ride, and ride comfortably, for some people. It is ok. People need to take time with this sport. Babes Ride Out is a great place for women to ask questions and seek answers, to meet people, to make friends, to learn more about bikes and riding. I ski a lot, and motorcycling riding is a lot like skiing, if I see someone with their gear, or someone sees me, it's an instant hello. It's really nice.

We connected with Nina over instagram before Babes in Borrego was even born. In fact, connecting with her was one of the reasons we thought maybe we should extend the invite to more women we were meeting on social media. From day #1 Nina has been an encouraging, inspiring, and truly awesome fixture in this community. Her passion for a life on two wheels is intoxicating and her positive state of mind and welcoming energy make you just want to be around her. Five years later we look back and are so thankful to have met Nina on that dry lake bed in the middle of nowhere at our first ever camp out. Read on to get to know Nina!

photo by Heidi Zumbrun

On October 5th 2013, 50 women rode out to an undisclosed location for a night of camping and camaraderie. What would follow could not have been predicted by anyone. The positivity, passion and enthusiasm for those 50 women has fueled the growth and exposure of a community that has meant so much to so many. We are highlighting each of those 50 women and sharing their stories over the past 5 years.

Nina Kaplan

photo by Heidi Zumbrun

· FULL NAME NINA KAPLAN

· INSTAGRAM HANDLE @niinhellhound

· LOCATION Los Angeles

· OCCUPATION Occupational Therapist

How did you find out about Babes in Borrego and what made you want to be a part of it?

As social media connected more and more women on motorcycles in 2013, I became aware of Anya and Ashmore, via a mutual photographer friend. We sent some messages back and forth, and I was invited to scout the site in Borrego with them for the first ever BABES RIDE OUT. Due to work commitments, I was unable to scout, however I was intent on going to the event. I had purchased my first motorcycle in 2011 and found some women to ride with in the SF bay area. I was keen to meet a group in LA as I had just relocated south.

When you arrived at the meet up, what was your first thoughts?

When I arrived at the meet up at the Starbucks in Temecula I think, I remember thinking, there’s a lot of us ladies on motos here! This is going to be a great weekend adventure.

Did you know anyone there? Is going on an adventure solo like this something you do or was this a first time out of your element kind of thing?

I did go to the event with two women rider friends I rode in the Bay area with, one of whom had recently moved to So Cal as well. Via social media, I was also connected to a crew of women from Portland were making the trek down for the event. One can feel out of their element in a new group scenario, but I tend to thrive and seek out those exact types of experiences. I love the opportunity to do and be involved in something new.

To go to something like this and the destination be unknown is kind of crazy. What did you think of riding with all those ladies and of the destination?

Riding in a group is always tough, especially a group of unknown riders. I was fortunate to have some familiar friends with me, whom I stuck with for the ride. There were instances of passing, and going around riders who were inexperienced. We wove our way near the front, and I remember as we crested the hill and looked over into the Borrego Springs Valley, what an amazing view and feeling it was! The coordinates took us to a dirt road, which in reality was a mile or so of soft sand. The kind of sand that is like snow, it just so soft. It was wild to ride down that road together, going slow and helping others who had wiped out.

What was that one night like for you? Tell us about your experience.

I remember getting into the valley with the dry lake bed where camp would be. I had been speaking to a few other MOTO ladies from Portland and I was excited to connect with them and some friends that had ridden out from NY. As the sun set the ladies took to their bikes, and I remember them ripping around an oval on the dry lake bed in the golden hours of the day. I took a quiet moment by myself to take it all in. I thought here I am with the wild women, right where we belong. Off the grid, many of us not know to each other at that time, but sharing the common mentality of adventure and comradery, and even without knowing the other women well or at all, there was a sense that we were there to support each other. It was a powerful feeling to be immediately connected to so many like minded women.

Tell us about the ladies you met and have your friendships have evolved over the past 5 years. Do you keep in touch?

I met so ladies on this trip, many whom I developed deep and lasting friendships with. Friendships that have taken me across the country in the US and on adventure moto trips in Guatemala. The connections made in year one are some of most cherished. I return to the even every year to continue to make new connections.

How have you changed over the past 5 years?

So much has changed for me in the years since the first event, as life is ever-changing. Something I am most excited about developing in the years since the first event is my involvement in the BRO DIRT event. I have attended for 3 years and finally was able to bring a dirt bike of my own to the last event. I am excited to make the same connections and deepen friendships with the ladies that ride dirt.

Have you gone on any more camping / riding trips since that 2013 ride? If so, where and with who?

In 2015 I was lucky to go across country with Harley Davidson and Lana McNaughton of the Women’s Moto Exhibit. Other riders included Jenny Czinder of (strange Vacation) whom I met at year one BRO, and Imogen Lethonen (who I attended year 2 with), and Megan who I met at year 2 as well I think.

In December of 2016 I did a 12 day self-guided moto trip in Guatemala with Leslie Padoll of BH.and.BR and Kate Unver whom I met at BRO east coast.

I was also lucky enough to attend year one of BRO east coast, as so many ladies from the east coast come out to the west coast event, I wanted to do the opposite. I rode with Kate and Leslie on this trip and it was a great experience, I love the first year of an event, it always seems to hold the most magic.

What is it like coming back to Babes Ride Out as it has grown?

Initially the growth of the event felt foreign and a departure from the first year. However, as I have attended throughout the years, I have reveled in how many women the event attracts, and seen it as an opportunity to connect to a wider and wider group of moto women! Now the event is such an amazing production it feels like a moto festival and I love it!

What are your thoughts on the Moto community and industry as a whole?

I love being part of the women’s moto community, I feel that as the minority within the industry as a whole we hold a very valuable position and the ability to connect and bond with each other at events such as BRO is very important.